New Delhi: Environmentalist and social activist Sonam Wangchuk has clarified that his decision to end his 26-day hunger strike was driven by concerns over the safety of protesting students rather than any political compromise with the Union government. Addressing supporters through a video message, Wangchuk firmly denied speculation that he had struck a deal with the Centre, saying his only priority was to prevent a possible police crackdown and protect demonstrators from legal action.
Wangchuk explained that the situation in Delhi had become increasingly tense, raising fears of a forceful response against protesters. Recalling the police firing on youth in Ladakh in September 2025, he said he did not want a similar situation to unfold in the national capital. According to him, ending the fast and appealing for peace appeared to be the most responsible course of action under the circumstances.
The activist revealed that he insisted on receiving written assurances from the government before ending his protest. While discussions reportedly included issues such as compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy and a parliamentary discussion on examination reforms, Wangchuk maintained that his principal concern was ensuring that peaceful protesters would not face criminal cases or police action.
Responding to criticism over ending the fast in the presence of Union ministers, Wangchuk questioned the logic behind accusations of a secret understanding with the government. He remarked that if compromise had been his objective, there would have been no reason to continue a prolonged hunger strike under difficult conditions.
The activist also alleged that after being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital, he was subjected to severe restrictions. He claimed he was denied free movement, prevented from meeting visitors, and not allowed access to communication devices, describing the conditions as those of a prisoner. He further alleged that despite receiving permission to move to another hospital, his transfer was delayed for several hours.
Wangchuk said Union ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh later met him at Medanta Hospital, where discussions took place on the demands raised during the protest. However, he stressed that verbal assurances were insufficient and that he refused to end his fast until the government agreed to provide written commitments regarding the protection of students participating in the agitation.
Clarifying his stand on the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Wangchuk said he deliberately did not make it a precondition during the negotiations. His immediate objective, he noted, was to safeguard students from legal consequences and ensure that the movement remained peaceful. He expressed confidence that public pressure would continue to shape the political outcome in the future.
Wangchuk also expressed disappointment that many Members of Parliament, colleagues from Ladakh and student representatives were unable to be present when he concluded his fast. He said he had hoped to end the protest in the presence of those who had stood by the movement, but circumstances prevented that from happening.
The activist concluded by asserting that although his fast had ended, the campaign for transparency, accountability in public examinations and justice for students would continue. According to him, the movement’s larger purpose remains unchanged, and efforts to secure meaningful reforms will persist in the coming months.
